Proceedings Paper

In this paper, we investigate sensor fusion along three avenues: statistical, biological, and categorical. The first two
approaches are analyzed simultaneously to provide a precise and rigorous sensor fusion methodology. The statistical
model currently enhances Bayesian methods for tracking, and suggests further application to target identification and
fusion - involving both low level feature extraction and higher level sensor output combination. The biological model is
also applied to multiple levels of the fusion problem. On the lowest level, it utilizes biologically-inspired results for
improved feature extraction. On the higher levels, it develops biologically-inspired evolutionary and agency algorithms
for sensor output combination and sensor network analysis. Ultimately, we model the entire fusion process with category
theory. Category theory allows for the application of advanced mathematical theory to fusion analysis. In addition to
using category theory as a modeling tool, in this paper we adapt categorical logic via topos theory to provide an
advanced framework for decision fusion - initially using the topos of graphs. Graphs are a simpler representation. We
suggest formulations which will be richer - toward the goal of a theoretically robust and computationally practical sensor
fusion system for assisted/automatic target recognition.